HomeMy WebLinkAbout966631RECEIVED 9/4/2012 at 3:49 PM
RECEIVING 966631
BOOK: 793 PAGE: 310
JEANNE WAGNER
LINCOLN COUNTY CLERK, KEMMERER, WY
DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT
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THIS DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT is made by Clark Country Ranch,
LLC in Lincoln County, Wyoming "Grantor in favor of the Wyoming Stock Growers
Agricultural Land Trust "Grantee a non profit charitable corporation incorporated under the
laws of the State of Wyoming and in good standing in the State of Wyoming, with its principal
business office at 113 East 20th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 (the "Easement Grantee
and Grantor are hereinafter referred to as the "Parties." The United States of America "United
States acting by and through the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service "NRCS on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation, as its interest
appears herein, for the purpose of conserving the Property as set forth herein, has by virtue of its
partial funding of Grantee's acquisition of this Easement acquired a contingent right of
enforcement and those certain other rights and assurances specifically set forth in this Easement.
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RECITALS
A. Grantor is the owner in fee simple of certain unencumbered Agricultural real
property known as the Clark Country Ranch, LLC, in Lincoln County, Wyoming, totaling 320
acres more or less, more particularly described in attached Exhibit A (the "Property
B. The Property is currently ranch land used for Agricultural production and has
significant open space and scenic values. Grantor and Grantee acknowledge that the historical
ranching and Agricultural uses of the Property sustain and protect the Property's substantial
Conservation Values, as defined herein, and more particularly described in the Baseline
Documentation as defined herein.
C. This Easement has been acquired in part with a grant from the State of Wyoming
Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust (hereinafter referred to as the "WWNRT
D. (a) Wildlife and Fisheries Values. The property lies within a Wyoming Sage
Grouse Core Area. The property includes approximately 1.3 stream miles of the Smith's Fork
River, which provide habitat to Bonneville cutthroat trout. The Clark family has worked with
Trout Unlimited to construct a fish screen in place on their irrigation ditch to protect rare fish.
The property is located within the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Aquatic Habitat
Crucial Priority Area for the Pinedale region, and within the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department's Terrestrial Habitat Crucial Priority Area for the Green River region. Additionally,
critical habitat for moose and a migration route for mule deer exist within the property.
(b) Location and significance for adjacent public lands and watershed. The
Clark Country Ranch is adjacent to one section of State of Wyoming lands to the south and a
90,000 acres Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allotment to the west. The eastern edge of the
property is approximately two miles from the Bridger Teton National Forest. A conservation
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easement on the property will ensure that private land adjacent to BLM lands and in proximity to
National Forest remain intact.
(c) Open Space and Scenic Values. The scenic values provided by Clark
Country Ranch are outstanding. The property is located 13 miles from Cokeville, Wyoming and
is visible from Wyoming Highway 232. The property is located in a valley and is bisected by the
Smith's Fork, a primary tributary of the Bear River. The property provides viewscapes of
irrigated hay meadows and riparian wetlands.
E. The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. Title II, Subtitle E, Section 2401
of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Public Law 110 16 U.S.C. 3838h and
3838i authorizes the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program under which the Secretary of
Agriculture, acting through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, facilitates and provides
funding for the purchase of conservation easements for the purpose of protecting agricultural
uses and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land.
F. The Farmland Protection Policy Act, P.L. 97 -98, 7 U.S.C. 4201, et seq., the
purpose of which is "to minimize the extent to which Federal programs contribute to the
unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses, and to assure that
Federal programs are administered in a manner that, to the extent practicable, will be compatible
with State, unit of local government, and private programs and policies to protect farmland;"
G. The use of the Property for Agricultural production, the open space and scenic
values, the ecological values, and fish and wildlife habitat are of great importance to Grantor,
Grantee, the People of Lincoln County, and the people of the State of Wyoming and the United
States, and are worthy of preservation.
H. Grantor and Grantee intend that the Property be maintained in a condition to
allow for Agriculture and other uses of the Property and for the protection of the Agricultural,
open space and scenic values of the Property in perpetuity.
I. Grantor intends that the Conservation Values of the Property be preserved and
maintained by the continuation of land use patterns, including, without limitation, those related
to ranching and associated agricultural operations existing at the time of this grant that do not
significantly impair or interfere with those values, and the Parties agree that the present ranching
and associated agricultural operations do not impair or interfere with the Conservation Values of
the Property at the time of this grant.
J. Grantor, as the owner in fee of the Property, owns the affirmative rights to
identify, to conserve and protect in perpetuity the Conservation Values of the Property.
K. Grantor intends to convey to the Grantees the right to preserve and protect the
Conservation Values of the Property in perpetuity.
L. The specific conservation values of the Property include the use of the Property
for agricultural production, open space and scenic values, and the natural habitat of fish, wildlife
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and plants "Conservation Values and are documented in a report to be kept on file at the
offices of Grantee, which documentation was prepared by NRCS with the assistance and
cooperation of Grantor and WSGALT and dated October 6, 2010, as updated and amended by
letters on file in WSGALT's office "Baseline Documentation which the Parties agree
provides an accurate representation of the Property as of the effective date of this grant, and
which is intended to serve as an objective baseline for monitoring compliance with the terms of
this Easement.
M. Grantee represents that it is a charitable organization described in Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (the
"Code whose purposes include the conservation of Agricultural lands, wildlife habitats, scenic
areas and open space to benefit the community for charitable purposes.
N. Grantee represents that it is a "qualified organization," as that term is defined in
Section 170(h) of the Code.
O. Grantee is also an organization which is qualified to receive funds under the Farm
and Ranch Lands Protection Program "FRPP 16 U.S.C. 3838h and 3838i, which is
administered by the NRCS, and has an agreement with NRCS for partial funding of the purchase
of this Easement, which is Agreement No. 68- 8E49 -0 -43.
P. It is the purpose of FRPP to provide funding for the purchase of conservation
easements, or other interests in eligible land, which will protect the agricultural use and related
conservation values of land by limiting nonagricultural uses of the land.
Q. Grantee has received letters from the Internal Revenue Service, on file at the
offices of Local Grantee, to the effect that Local Grantee is a "publicly- supported" organization
under Sections 509(a)(1) and 170 (b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Code and is not a private foundation within
the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code.
R. Grantor and Grantee recognize the scenic, natural, Agricultural, and open space
character of the Property, and have the common purpose of the conservation and protection in
perpetuity of the Property through the use of restrictions on the Property and with the transfer
from Grantor to Grantee of affirmative rights for the protection of the Property, intending the
grant of such restrictions and rights to qualify as a "qualified conservation contribution" as that
term is defined under Section 170(h)(2)(C) of the Code.
S. The conservation purposes of this Easement are recognized by, and the grant of
this Easement will serve, at least and without limitation, the following clearly delineated
governmental conservation policies:
1. Wyoming Statutes section 34- 1- 201(b)(i) provides for the establishment of
conservation easements to protect "natural, scenic or open space values of real property, assuring
its availability for agricultural, forest, recreational or open space use
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2. Wyoming Statutes section 11- 16- 103(a) provides that, "It is hereby
declared that the farm and grazing lands of Wyoming are among the basic assets of the state."
3. Wyoming Statutes section 11- 16- 103(b) provides that, "It is hereby
declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of the soil, and soil and
water resources of this state, and for the control and prevention of soil erosion and for flood
prevention or the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and thereby to
stabilize ranching and farming operations, to preserve natural resources, protect the tax base,
control floods, pre -vent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect public
lands, and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state."
4. Wyoming Statutes section 9 -15 -101, et seq., Wildlife and Natural
Resource Funding Act (the "Act The Act created an entity known as the Wyoming Wildlife
and Natural Resources Trust Account. The WWNRT is empowered to disperse money for
several delineated purposes related to conserving the many natural resources of the State of
Wyoming (the "State and to act on behalf of the State in certain matters relating to the
WWNRT.
5. Wyoming Statutes section 9- 15- 103(d)(i) provides that the WWNRT is
empowered to disperse money for the "Improvement and maintenance of existing terrestrial
habitat necessary to maintain optimum wildlife populations.
6. Wyoming Statutes section 9- 15- 103(d)(ii) provides that the WWNRT is
empowered to disperse money for the "Preservation of open space by purchases or acquisition of
development rights;"
7. Wyoming Statutes section 9- 15- 103(d)(v) provides that the WWNRT is
empowered to disperse money for the "Conservation, maintenance, protection and development
of wildlife re- sources, the environment, and Wyoming's natural resource heritage;"
For purposes of this Easement, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning
given to them below. Additional definitions are sometimes expressly provided in the body of
this Easement.
The terms "Code" and "Regulations" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, respectively, and shall include
reference to the comparable provisions of any subsequent revision of the Code and/or
Regulations.
The terms "currently" or "existing," and variations thereof, means existing or current at
the time of the recordation of this Easement.
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DEFINITIONS
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The phrase "Alteration of Habitat" shall mean any change in the existing relatively
natural habitat for plants or animals which habitat is part of the Conservation Values (defined
below) of the Property which change is not a habitat enhancement (also defined below).
The terms "Agriculture" and "Agricultural" include grazing, pasturing, feeding, watering
and, in general, care for livestock of every nature including the keeping, pasturing, raising,
training, and /or boarding of horses; crop production, including soil preparation, seeding,
cultivating, irrigation and harvesting hay, grain, alfalfa, vegetables, and other crops common to
the region of Wyoming within which the Property is located; the operation of a nursery which
may include the use of one or more greenhouses; and the continuation of traditional agricultural
and ranching uses, including, but not limited to, replacing or building new fences, stack yards for
hay storage, replace existing or install new culverts, construct or repair bridges crossing ditches,
canals, etc., as are common to such region. Agriculture and Agricultural also include the use of
currently accepted and, in the future, newly developed means of livestock and crop production.
The phrase "Associated Improvements" means such buildings, structures, and
improvements as are customarily accessory to non commercial single- family residential
dwellings and Agricultural activities in the region of Wyoming within which the Property is
located, including but not limited to garages, barns, sheds, horse facilities, corrals, shops,
driveways, roads, culverts, bridges, utility lines, pools, flagpoles, greenhouses, and
improvements for heating, cooling, communications, television, septic waste disposal facilities
and domestic water supply.
The term "Building Envelope" shall mean a designated area on the Property in which the
right to residential and other structures is reserved.
The term "Building Footprint" shall mean the first floor area of any building enclosed
within walls (whether three (3) walls or four (4) walls), measured from the outside of the
building's walls.
The terms "day" or "days" means calendar day or days, unless otherwise expressly
provided.
The phrase "Habitat Enhancement" means an improvement in the existing relatively
natural habitat for plants or animals which habitat is part of the Conservation Values of the
Property. It does not mean an alteration of existing habitat to another form of habitat.
The term "Impervious Surface" shall mean any paved surface (by concrete, asphalt and
the like, but excluding gravel or packed earth) and the area covered by any building footprint
(exclusive of roof overhangs), patios and /or ground level decks; impervious surface shall not be
deemed to include roads, drives, pathways, and vehicle trails permitted by the terms of this
Easement outside of a designated Building Envelope, but shall include such areas, if paved,
within a Building Envelope.
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The phrase "Indemnified Parties" shall refer to Grantee's officers, employees and Board
members, and their heirs, successors and assigns.
The term "necessary" shall be interpreted to limit the use to which it applies to that which
is essential to the accomplishment of such use.
The term "reserved" means a use of the Property that is expressly reserved by Grantor as
a right under the terms of this Easement.
The term "Residence" means a single family dwelling containing, at a minimum,
permanently installed cooking facilities and indoor or outdoor sanitary facilities. A Residence
may include household guest and employee quarters and a customary home occupation or
professional office for the occupant and may have Associated Improvements.
The term "use" means physical use of the Property or any part thereof, or an activity on
the Property or any part thereof.
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EASEMENT GRANT
SECTION 1. CONSERVATION PURPOSES
SECTION 2. RIGHTS OF THE GRANTEE
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, terms, conditions, and
restrictions contained herein, and pursuant to the provisions of the Wyoming Uniform
Conservation Easement Act, Sections 34 -1 -201 through 34 -1 -207 of the Wyoming Statutes (the
"Act and pursuant to Section 170(h) of the Code and the laws of the State of Wyoming,
Grantor hereby grants and conveys to the Grantee and its successors and permitted assigns, as a
qualified "bargain sale" pursuant to Sections 1011(b) and 170 of the Code, a conservation
easement (the "Easement in perpetuity over the Property to the extent herein set forth. Grantor
herein declares that the Property shall be held, mortgaged, encumbered, transferred, sold,
conveyed, used, and occupied subject to the covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements
herein, which shall be deemed to run with the land in perpetuity. The Grantor binds itself to
monitor the use of the Property, and to enforce the restrictions on the future use of the Property
imposed by this Easement, in perpetuity. The Parties intend, by thus controlling and limiting the
rights to the future use of the Property, to permanently protect the Conservation Values of the
Property for the benefit of the public, and to permanently conserve the Property.
1.1 Conservation Purposes. The "Conservation Purposes" of this Easement are (i) to
preserve the Conservation Values, and other significant conservation interests (to the extent that
it is not necessary to impair such other interests in order to protect the Conservation Values), and
(ii) to restrict the use of the Property to those uses that are consistent with such values and
interests by limiting nonagricultural uses of the Property.
2.1 Preservation and Protection. Grantee has the right to preserve and protect in
perpetuity the Conservation Values of the Property in the manner set forth in this Easement.
2.2 Access. Grantee has the right to enter upon the Property, after reasonable notice and
in a manner not to interfere with Grantor's activities, to monitor the Grantor's compliance with
and otherwise enforce the terms of this Easement. Grantee shall also have the right of immediate
entry to the Property without notice if, in Grantee's reasonable judgment, such entry is necessary
to prevent damage to or the destruction of the Conservation Values or any of them, which entry
will be reasonably exercised and will be limited to that necessary to prevent such damage or
destruction. Grantee shall provide a written description of the reason for and nature of any such
immediate entry to Grantor as soon as practical after such entry.
2.3 Enforcement, Injunction and Restoration. Grantee has the right to obtain
injunctive or other relief against any activity or use of Grantor's land that is inconsistent with the
Easement and to enforce the restoration of such areas or features that may be damaged by such
activities and to obtain damages for any violation of this Easement, all as provided in Subsection
7.6 below. In the event a controversy arises with respect to the condition of the Property, the
Parties may utilize the Baseline Documentation and any other relevant document, survey, or
other information to assist in resolving the controversy.
2.4 Events Beyond Grantor's Control. Nothing contained in this Easement shall be
construed to entitle the Grantee to bring any action against Grantor for any injury to or change in
the Property resulting from causes beyond Grantor's control, including acts of trespassers or the
unauthorized wrongful acts of third persons, fire, flood, storm, acts of God, climate change, earth
movement, and major tree disease, or from any prudent action taken by Grantor under
emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to the Property resulting
from such causes.
3.1 Prohibited Uses. Any activity or use of the Property inconsistent with the
Conservation Purposes is expressly prohibited. Except as specifically allowed in Section 4 of
this Easement, the following uses of the Property are inconsistent with the purposes of this
Easement and are prohibited:
(a) Subdivision. Division, subdivision, or de facto subdivision of the Property
into separate tracts; or the conveyance of any portion of the Property, even though it may
represent a free standing parcel, separately from any other portion of the Property.
(b) Construction. Construction of buildings, structures, or facilities,
including mobile homes except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections.
(c) Industrial Use. The placement, construction or operation of any
industrial facilities on the Property.
(d) Commercial Use. The placement, construction or operation of any
commercial facilities on the Property except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its
subsections.
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SECTION 3. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
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(e) Mineral Extraction. The extraction of minerals by surface or subsurface
mining techniques to the extent that Grantor can control mineral development. With regard to
third party mineral extraction on the Property, Grantor shall make reasonable efforts to require
any third party who owns subsurface mineral rights on the Property to extract the subsurface
minerals by extraction methods that will minimize the impact to the Conservation Values of the
Property and the purposes of this Easement. Grantor shall request through reasonable efforts that
all damaged or disturbed areas be restored or reclaimed to its original condition, to the extent
possible, and that extraction facilities are to be concealed or otherwise located as to be
compatible with existing topography and landscape to the extent practicable. Grantor represents
to Grantee that the mineral interest in and to a portion of the Property is owned by third parties
and a split estate exists. Grantor shall have the right and obligation to negotiate all surface use
agreements which involve the exploration and development of the mineral interest estate.
Grantor shall ensure that all such surface use agreements comply with the terms of this Easement
and protect the Conservation Purposes and Conservation Values. In addition, Grantor shall be
required to obtain Grantee's written consent to all surface use agreements by having Grantee as a
signatory to all surface use agreements, and Grantee's written consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. Any compensation received pursuant to said surface use agreements shall be divided
between Grantor and Grantee using the following ratio: Grantor -34.0% and Grantee 66.0
(f) Consent to Mining. Consent to any mining or surface mining on the
Property under Wyoming Statute Section 35- 11- 401(b)(xi) of the Wyoming Environmental
Quality Act or other applicable laws.
(g) Waste Dumps; Hazardous Materials; Storage. (i) Dumping or disposal
of waste which is toxic to humans or wildlife or which threatens other Conservation Values of
the Property; (ii) The installation of underground storage tanks or the use of the Property as a
storage facility for hazardous waste or junk or any kind of refuse generated off the Property; or
(iii) release or deposit of any petroleum products, explosives, hazardous substances, toxic
substances, or any other substance which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health
or the environment at any time, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 or its subsections.
The prohibitions in this Subsection 3.1(g) do not impose liability on
Grantee with respect to the Property, nor shall Grantee pursuant to this, or any other provision of
this Easement, with respect to the Property, be construed as having liability as an "owner or
operator" or other "responsible party" within the meaning of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended "CERCLA or similar
federal, state, or local laws.
(h) Impervious Surfaces. Paving all or any portion of the Property with
concrete, asphalt, or any other impervious material, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and
its subsections. The total area of impervious surfaces shall not exceed two percent (2 of the
total area of the Property. Impervious surfaces include areas that are paved, covered by concrete
or occupied by buildings, with or without floors.
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(i) Alteration of Topography. The alteration of the topography of the
Property, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections.
(j) Billboards. The construction, maintenance, or placement of signs
including billboards, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections. Billboards
include any roadside or riverside signs. Expressly excepting from this restriction, Grantor
reserves the right to construct, maintain, remodel and replace the sign identifying the Button
family graves adjacent to the road traversing the eastern portion of the Property, and any such
sign shall have a maximum size of four feet by four feet (4'x4').
(k) Towers and Facilities. Construction, placement or use of any
transmission or receiving tower, or energy facility, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 or
its subsections.
(1) Water Rights. The transfer, sale, lease or other separation of water rights
from the Property, except as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections. Grantor shall
retain water rights sufficient to allow continued Agricultural production.
(m) Water Courses. The alteration of natural water courses, except as
expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections.
(n) Feedlots. The establishment, placement, use or maintenance of any
feedlot, defined for purposes of the Easement as a permanently constructed confined area or
facility within which the land is not grazed or cropped annually, for purposes of engaging in the
business of the reception and feeding of livestock for hire, but not including existing or similar
corrals used for holding and feeding Grantors' livestock. This provision shall not be deemed to
prohibit feeding of livestock in fenced pastures during the winter season.
(o) Motorized Vehicle Use. The use or parking of motorized vehicles for
commercial purposes which are unrelated to Agricultural uses or purposes.
(p) Structures. The construction, placement or use of any structures except
as expressly reserved in Section 4 and its subsections.
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SECTION 4. GRANTOR'S RESERVED RIGHTS
4.1 General Reserved Rights. Grantor reserves to itself, and to its successors and
assigns all rights accruing from its ownership of the Property, including the right to engage in,
permit, or invite others to engage in all uses of the Property that are not expressly prohibited
herein, which are consistent with the Conservation Purposes, and which do not impair or threaten
the Conservation Values. Any activity or use of the Property not specifically included in Section
3, shall be deemed a reserved right under this Section 4. The following uses comply with the
requirements of the preceding sentence and are expressly excepted and reserved by Grantor:
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(a) Agriculture. The right to conduct Agricultural activities. In addition,
Grantor reserves the rights to process and /or market Agricultural products produced or raised on
the Property.
(b) Roads and Utilities. The rights to construct, maintain, and use roads,
trails and utilities, with associated culverts, bridges, ditches, fences, and gates and cattle guards,
if reasonably necessary for reserved agricultural purposes or for access to or to serve reserved
buildings, building envelopes, floating building envelopes or other expressly reserved uses. To
grant utility easements for utilities provided that the Grantee determines that such installation is
not inconsistent with the purpose of the conservation easement and is done in such a manner as
to minimize to the greatest extent possible, impact on soils. If Grantee determines it is
impractical to locate any new or replacement utility underground, then such utility shall be
located in a manner that has minimal impact to the conservation values as set forth above.
(c) Cutting or Clearing Vegetation. In addition to the rights reserved in
Subsection 4.lError! Reference source not found., to selectively cut or clear vegetation and
mow hayfields or pastures for reserved Agricultural purposes, fire protection, the preservation of
vistas, wildlife habitat, or otherwise to preserve the current condition of the Property.
(d) Irrigation Facilities. To construct, maintain, develop, alter and /or use
irrigation facilities, including sprinkler irrigation systems, ditches, head gates, diversion
structures, pipelines, and reservoir systems on the Property if such actions are necessary or
beneficial for Agriculture uses or purposes, grazing livestock, wildlife or fisheries on the
Property as expressly reserved in this Easement. This provision expressly includes the same
rights and privileges to construct, maintain, develop, alter and /or use irrigation facilities,
including ditches, head gates, diversion structures, pipelines, and reservoir systems which are
owned by third parties and which are located on the Property and which are consistent with said
third parties water rights.
(e) Water Rights. To use all of Grantor's rights, title, and interest in and to
all tributary and non tributary water, water rights, and related interests, in, on, under, or
appurtenant to the Property for present and future reserved Agricultural production on the
Property, and to acquire additional water rights for reserved Agricultural uses and other reserved
activities on the Property. This includes, but is not limited to, changing or modifying the point of
diversion for any water right and changing or modifying any head gate or diversion structure.
(f) Wells and Septic Systems. To drill, complete, and produce water wells
for the production of water on the Property and to develop, use and /or maintain water wells
and /or septic systems for any reserved uses on the Property, including Agricultural uses and
purposes.
(g) Fences. The right to build, maintain, replace, remove, relocate and repair
fences for reserved Agricultural uses or purposes or ranching purposes and for the protection of
any Conservation Value at any location on the Property. This includes all fences of convenience
which may or may not be located on the property line of the Property. To the extent Grantor
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builds new fences, Grantor shall build and locate such fences in a manner that will not materially
adversely impact the migration of wildlife across the Property.
(h) Trees. To selectively plant, trim, prune, remove or harvest trees for range
enhancement, irrigation, fences or insect control and for Agricultural uses and purposes. Grantor
may harvest timber for posts, poles, firewood and other Agricultural uses. Timber cut pursuant
to this provision may be sold commercially, or used for other reserved purposes on the Property,
provided that such sale or use is purely incidental to the right reserved in the first sentence of this
Subsection 4.1Error! Reference source not found.. With regard to all forest management and
timber harvesting activities not provided for in this subsection, Grantor and Grantee shall enter
into a written forest management plan consistent with the Conservation Purposes for the purpose
of such activities.
(i) Burning. To conduct controlled burning of rangeland and to accumulate
and burn general non -toxic household and Agricultural trash generated on the Property, so long
as this activity is confined to a minimum number of controlled burn areas.
(j) Pesticides and Herbicides. To use chemical fertilizers, herbicides,
pesticides, fungicides, and natural controls in connection with any reserved Agricultural use,
purpose, or activity on the Property, and for the control of noxious weeds, and pests, provided
that such use shall be in compliance with manufacturers' instructions.
(k) Leasing. To lease all or any portion of the Property for any use or activity
that is expressly reserved in this Easement, provided that such lease(s) are subject to the terms of
and expressly refer to this Easement.
(1) Recreation. Commercial and Non commercial recreational activities,
such as, but not limited to hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, bird
watching are allowed. Grantor also excepts and reserves the right to conduct these activities by
Grantor, employees, independent contractors, or third parties. De minimis commercial
recreational activities as defined and provided in Section 2031(c)(8)(B) of the Code, which may
include the selling of licenses, permission rights, or trespass fees to individuals to hunt and /or
fish on the Property are allowed.
(m) Use of Vehicles. To use motorized vehicles, tractors and equipment,
including snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles, for access to buildings and structures reserved on
the Property, and as is necessary to support reserved Agricultural uses, Agricultural purposes,
forestry, habitat management, law enforcement, public safety, conservation uses, and the
residential uses as otherwise reserved herein, over existing and permitted drives and vehicle trails
and off said roads and trails for Agricultural uses and purposes. Off -road use of vehicles shall be
limited to uses necessary (i) for fire suppression; (ii) for emergency or severe weather winter
access when ordinary vehicle access is not available; (iii) for reserved Agricultural uses and
purposes; and (iv) in connection with traditional recreational uses reserved herein. Grantor also
reserves the right to park vehicles on a temporary or long term basis in reserved Building
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Envelopes, and temporarily anywhere on the Property when such vehicles are necessary to a
right reserved herein.
(n) Habitat Enhancement. To undertake Habitat Enhancement, including
the construction of ponds or other water projects. Outside of any Building Envelope, such
enhancement shall require the advance written approval of Grantee, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
(o) Alteration of Water Courses. To alter existing natural water courses, but
only for (i) irrigation, including but not limited to head gates and diversion structures to support
reserved Agricultural uses, (ii) flood control, (iii) reservoir construction for livestock, wildlife
and scenic purposes, (iv) installation, maintenance, and use of bridges and culverts, (v)
improvements to a creek or river for purposes of fishery habitat improvement, restoration,
maintenance or improvement and (vi) improvements to a creek or river for the purpose of
restoration or maintenance of the natural courses of streams and /or the stabilization of stream
banks.
(p) Agricultural Support Structures.
(i) To replace, reconstruct, place, use and /or maintain existing structures that are
accessory to reserved Agricultural uses, purposes, and activities such as, but not limited to,
watering facilities for livestock, including stock water wells and stock tanks (which may be
wind, solar or electrically powered), corrals, pens, facilities for the loading of livestock for
transport from the Property, livestock shelters, barns, wind breaks, fences, structures for the
storage of hay produced from and /or used for reserved Agricultural uses.
(ii) To construct, use and maintain new structures that are necessary and
accessory to reserved Agricultural uses, purposes, and activities, but such new structures are
limited to: watering facilities for livestock, including stock water wells and stock tanks (which
may be wind, solar or electrically powered), corrals, pens, facilities for the loading of livestock
for transport from the Property, wind breaks, fences, and structures for the storage of hay
produced from and /or used for reserved Agricultural uses.
(q) Signs. To construct, place, use and maintain signs on the Property for
posting the name of the Property, advertising businesses which occur on the Property, controlling
public access, fishing access and use, providing public notification of this Easement or
advertising the Property for sale.
(r) Alteration of Topography. To alter the topography of the Property as
necessary for other uses expressly reserved in this Easement.
(s) General. To make any other use of the Property that is consistent with the
Conservation Purposes, provided that Grantor shall obtain the written approval of Grantee prior
to undertaking such uses, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Uses reserved
pursuant to this Subsection 4.1(s) shall not be deemed "expressly reserved" for any other purpose
of this Easement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no use may be approved pursuant to this
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Subsection 4.1(s) unless the approval is consistent with the requirements set forth in Subsection
7.13 or Section 6 for the amendment or termination of this Easement.
4.2 Residences and Associated Improvements. To construct, locate, own, use, lease,
maintain, repair, renovate, remove, relocate, replace and reconstruct (collectively for purposes of
this Subsection 4.2 "To Use structures on the Property, subject to the following provisions.
reserved.
(a) No Residences are located on the Property and no "Building Envelope" is
4.3 Commercial Uses. Customary rural enterprises are allowed, as long as they are
conducted in a manner that is consistent with the Code and the Regulations, are consistent with
the purposes of this Easement, and do not substantially diminish or impair the Conservation
Values. Without limiting other potential uses that meet the foregoing criteria, the following uses
are allowed: processing or sale of farm or ranch products predominantly grown or raised on the
Property; home occupations conducted by and in the home of a person residing on the Property;
wildlife viewing; habitat enhancement; and other customary rural enterprises, such as hunting,
fishing, farm machinery repair, bed and breakfasts, livestock veterinary services, and similar
enterprises conducted by Grantor, an employee, an independent contractor, a third person with
the necessary consent or permission of Grantor, or by another person residing on the Property
with the necessary consent or permission. For any use not expressly enumerated in this
paragraph, Grantor shall provide Grantee with written notice of Grantor's proposed use prior to
commencing such use. Grantor may commence the proposed use on the Property only with
Grantee's written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, so long as the proposed
use does not materially adversely affect the Conservation Values of the Property nor is
specifically prohibited elsewhere in this document.
SECTION 5. ASSIGNMENT BY GRANTEE; TRANSFERS BY GRANTOR
5.1 Limitations on Assignment by Grantee. This Easement may be assigned by
Grantee, but only if the following conditions have been met prior to such assignment: (i) the
Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, or his or her designated agent, shall have approved
such assignment in writing; (ii) the assignee, at the time of such assignment, qualifies under
Section 170(h)(3) of the Code and under Wyoming Statues 34 -1 -201 et seq. as a "qualified
organization" and under the Act as an eligible holder of conservation easements; (iii) the
assignee agrees in writing that it will carry out the Conservation Purposes in perpetuity; (iv)
Grantee provides at least thirty (30) days prior notice to Grantor of the proposed assignment. In
the event that Grantor has any preferences with regard to a proposed assignee, it shall so notify
Grantee and Grantee shall make a good faith effort to assign this Easement to Grantor's proposed
assignee, provided that such assignee meets the requirements of provisos (i), (ii) and (iii) of this
Subsection 5.1. Any attempted assignment by the Grantee of the benefits of this Easement
contrary to the terms hereof shall be invalid but shall not operate to extinguish this Easement.
5.2 Transfers by Grantor. Grantor agrees to incorporate by reference the terms of this
Easement in any deed or other legal instrument by which Grantor transfers any interest in all or a
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portion of the Property, including a leasehold interest. Grantor further agrees to give written
notice to the Grantee of the transfer of any such interest at least thirty (30) days prior to such
transfer. The failure of Grantor to perform any act required by this paragraph shall not impair
the validity of this Easement or limit its enforceability in any way, nor shall it impair the validity
of such transfer.
SECTION 6. EXTINGUISHMENT; CONDEMNATION
6.1 Extinguishment. In the event that this Easement is extinguished as to all, or a
portion, of the Property, Grantee shall be entitled to a share of any proceeds resulting from the
conveyance of the underlying Property on the terms contained in this Section 6. This provision
is required by Section 1.170A- 14(g)(6)(ii) of the Regulations for a "qualified conservation
contribution," and is intended by the Parties to comply with such Regulations, and to entitle
Grantee to all of the rights that such Regulations require that a "donor" grant to a "donee
organization" with respect to a qualified conservation contribution.
6.2 Value of this Easement. This Easement constitutes a real property interest
immediately vested in Grantee with a fair market value that is at least equal to the proportionate
value that this Easement, as of the date of conveyance, bears to the value of the Property as a
whole at that time. This proportionate value shall remain constant. The Parties agree that for
purposes of this Easement the percentage the fair market value of this Easement bears to the fair
market value of the entire Property (surface estate only) is: 66.00 The values applicable for
purposes of the calculations required by this Subsection 6.2 shall be the values finally used to
determine the value of this Easement for purposes of any federal income tax deduction finally
allowed with respect to the conveyance of this Easement. In the event that no federal income tax
deduction is claimed with respect to the conveyance of this Easement, the values for purposes of
this Subsection 6.2 shall be the purchase price of this Easement.
6.3 Payment in the Event of Extinguishment. In the event of an unexpected change
in circumstances surrounding the Property that makes impossible or impractical the continued
use of the Property for the Conservation Purposes, and any or all of the restrictions of the
Easement are extinguished by a judicial proceeding, or if for any other reason this Easement is
terminated as to all, or a portion, of the Property, Grantee, on a subsequent sale, exchange, or
involuntary conversion of the Property, or any portion thereof, shall be entitled to a percentage of
the proceeds of such sale, exchange or involuntary conversion, equal to the proportionate value
determined according to Subsection 6.2, provided that to the extent that the Easement is not fully
extinguished or terminated, but rather only some of the restrictions are extinguished or
terminated, the Grantor and Grantee shall mutually agree as to the proper ratio to use for
apportioning any such proceeds. In the event that such proportionate value was determined
without regard to structural improvements existing on the Property at the time of the conveyance,
then such improvements shall be disregarded in determining the amount of such proceeds, etc. to
which Grantee is entitled hereunder. In any event, the value of structural improvements made to
the Property after the date of conveyance shall be disregarded in determining such amount.
14
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6.4 Extinguishment, Termination and Condemnation. Pursuant to its right of
enforcement, the United States must consent to any subordination, termination or
extinguishment, in whole or in part, of this Easement. For any eminent domain action where the
Easement remains in place, the United States' consent will not be required; however, any
disturbance of the surface estate pursuant to the eminent domain action will require restoration of
the surface estate, within 6 months from the completion of the installation or repair, weather
permitting, to ensure the continued use of the property consistent with the conservation purpose
of this Easement. If all or a part of the Property encumbered by this Easement is taken, in whole
or in part, by exercise of the power of eminent domain, the proceeds of any award resulting
therefrom, or from any settlement in lieu of condemnation, shall be divided between Grantor and
Grantee in conformity with the provisions of Subsection 6.3 unless otherwise provided for by
applicable law at the time of such exercise of the power of eminent domain, and the Grantee
shall pay a portion of its proceeds to the United States and the State of Wyoming in accordance
with Subsection 6.5.
6.5 Payment to the United States and the State of Wyoming. Because they have
contributed funds to the purchase of this Easement, the United States and the State of Wyoming
are hereby granted by the Parties the right to receive a portion of any proceeds due Grantee
according to the provisions of this Section 6. The amount payable to the United States shall be
equal to fifty percent 50.00% of the amount payable to Grantee pursuant to this Section 6, based
upon the amount paid by the United States by and through NRCS /FRPP through the Farm and
Ranch Lands Protection Program towards said purchase, and the value of this Easement
determined according to the provisions of Subsection 6.2. The amount payable to the State of
Wyoming shall be equal to twenty -one percent 21.00% of the amount payable to Grantee, based
upon the amount paid by the State of Wyoming through the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural
Resource Trust towards said purchase, and the value of this Easement determined according to
the provisions of Subsection 6.2. The amount due the State of Wyoming shall be payable to the
Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, provided that it is then in existence. If it is not
then in existence, the amount due the State of Wyoming shall be paid as directed by the
Governor.
6.6 Use of Proceeds by Grantee. Grantee shall be entitled to the remaining twenty
nine percent 29.00% of the amount payable to Grantee pursuant to Subsection 6.2. Any proceeds
received by the Grantee pursuant to this Section 6, and subsequent to the payments to the United
States and State of Wyoming, pursuant to Subsection 6.5, shall be used by Grantee in a manner
that is consistent with the Conservation Purposes.
6.7 Review and Transaction Cost Reimbursement. Grantee shall be reimbursed for
its reasonable and necessary expenses, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees,
incurred in reviewing requests or proposals made by third parties which impact the Property and
as provided for under the terms of this Easement. Such reimbursement shall be the responsibility
of the third party making the request or proposal.
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SECTION 7. GENERAL PROVISIONS
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7.1 Governing Law: Conflict and Choice of Laws. This Easement has been executed
and delivered, and is intended to be performed in the State of Wyoming. This Easement, in all
instances and regardless of the jurisdiction, forum, court or other tribunal, shall be governed by,
enforced, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Wyoming Exclusive
jurisdiction and venue for any dispute relating to this Easement shall reside in the State of
Wyoming, District Court located in Lincoln County, Wyoming. The parties agree and expressly
consent to the exercise of personal jurisdiction in said court in connection with such dispute.
Notwithstanding the above limitations, with regard to federal tax issues only, the laws of the
United States shall control.
7.2 Severability. If any provision of this Easement or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance is found to be invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this Easement
shall not be affected thereby.
7.3 Entire Agreement. This Easement and any exhibits attached hereto, sets forth the
entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the Easement and supersedes all prior discussions,
negotiations, understandings, or agreements relating to the Easement, all of which are merged
herein.
7.4 Successors. The covenants, terms, conditions, and restrictions of this Easement shall
be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective personal
representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns and shall continue as a servitude running in
perpetuity with the Property, provided that (i) no owner shall be responsible except for violations
occurring on such owner's land during the time of such owner's ownership; (ii) in the event of a
breach of the terms hereof by the owner or owners of any portion of the Property, no owner or
owners of any other portion of the Property shall be liable for such breach.
7.5 Notices. Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that
either party desires or is required to give to the other shall be in writing and either served
personally or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
To Grantor:
C lark.clark. wsgalt.pur.ce.final.7.6.12. doc
Clark Country Ranch, LLC
c/o Lowell and Eva Clark
12199 Highway 232
P.O. Box 249
Cokeville, Wyoming 83114
E -mail: eclark @allwest.net
16
To Grantee:
Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust
113 East 20th Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Fax No.: (307) 634 -1210
E -mail: graham @wsgalt.org
0032
To United States: State Conservationist
United States Department of Agriculture/
Natural Resource Conservation Service
P.O. Box 33124
Casper, Wyoming 82602
E -mail: 1 heIton @wy.usda..gov s
To State of Wyoming: Executive Director
Wyoming Wildlife and natural Resources Trust
500 East Fremont
Riverton, Wyoming 82501
E -mail: bob.budd @wyo.gov
or to such other address as any of the above Parties from time to time shall designate by written
notice to the others. Notice of change of address shall be effective only when done in accordance
with this Subsection 7.5.
Such notices shall be deemed to have been "given" (i) when actually
delivered, in the case of personal delivery; (ii) when delivered as confirmed by an official return
receipt if sent by certified mail; or (iii) within two (2) business days of deposit with a courier in
the case of U.S. Express Mail, or commercial overnight courier;
(b) Written Notice to Grantee Required. Grantor hereby relinquishes any
right to use the Property in ways that may be inconsistent with the Conservation Purposes, or
with respect to which permission of the Grantee is expressly required by the terms of this
Easement, except the Grantor's Reserved Rights as set forth in Section 4, until it has notified
Grantee in accordance with this Subsection 7.5, and obtained approval therefore from Grantee.
(c) Response by Grantee. Grantee shall, within a reasonable time after
receipt of a request hereunder, respond in writing to any request for approval by Grantor made in
compliance with this Subsection 7.5. Until expressly permitted in writing by Grantee, Grantor
shall not commence the activity described in the notice.
Clark.clark.wsgalt.pur, ce. final.7.6.12.doc
(a) Form of Notice. Any notices, demands or other communications required
or permitted to be given by the terms of this Easement shall be given in writing and shall be
delivered (i) in person (such delivery to be evidenced by a signed receipt); (ii) by certified mail,
postage prepaid, return receipt requested; or (iii) by U.S. Express Mail or commercial overnight
courier.
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All activities requiring prior written approval by Grantee shall be
conducted consistently with such approval when granted.
In the event that Grantee objects to the proposed activity it shall inform
Grantor in writing of the manner, if any, in which the proposed activity can be modified to
satisfy its objections. Thereafter, Grantor may submit a revised proposal accommodating the
objections, and Grantee shall review and respond to such revision in the same manner as to the
original notice.
Any objection by Grantee to a proposed activity shall be based upon its
opinion that the proposed activity is inconsistent with this Easement, and /or upon any specific
standards provided for herein. Except where Grantee reserves the right to make a decision in its
sole discretion, Grantee shall use reasonable discretion in determining whether or not a proposed
activity is consistent with the terms of this Easement, and /or any such standards.
In no event may Grantee permit any activity on the Property that would be
inconsistent with the Conservation Purposes.
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(d) Content of Notices. All notices required by this Easement shall be in
writing, and shall provide sufficient information, in addition to any information required by other
provisions of this Easement, to allow, in the case of notice to Grantee, Grantee to determine
whether the proposal is consistent with the Conservation Purposes. In the case of notice to
Grantor, the notice shall inform Grantor of the purpose of the notice, and the provision(s) of this
Easement with respect to which the notice has been sent.
7.6 Enforcement of this Easement. If Grantee finds what it believes is a violation,
Grantee shall promptly notify Grantor, the WWNRT, and the United States in writing of the
alleged violation.
(a) Right to Injunction, etc. The Parties recognize that money damages, or
other non injunctive relief, may not adequately remedy a violation of the terms of this Easement.
Therefore, the Parties hereby agree that any violation shall be subject to termination through
injunctive proceedings, including the imposition of temporary restraining orders, preliminary
injunctions, specific performance, or any other legal means. The Parties also agree that no proof
of damages, or the inadequacy of other remedies, shall be required of either Party, in seeking any
such injunctive relief. No bond shall be required of either Party in seeking an injunction.
(b) Right to Restoration. In addition, Grantee shall have the right to enforce
the restoration of any, and all, of the Conservation Values damaged by activities inconsistent
with the Conservation Purposes. Such restoration shall be, as nearly as possible, to the condition
that existed on the date of the recordation of this Easement, except for such changes as may have
been made to the Property that are consistent with the terms of this Easement.
(c) Right to Recover Damages. In the event of a violation of the terms of
this Easement, in addition to the other remedies provided for in this Subsection 7.6, and any
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other remedies available in law or equity, Grantee shall also be entitled to recover all damages
necessary to place Grantee in the same position that it would have been in but for the violation.
The Parties agree that in determining such damages the following factors, among others, may be
considered (i) the costs of restoration of the portion of the Property actually damaged as provided
in Subsection 7.6(b) above, and (ii) the full market cost of purchasing a conservation easement
containing terms comparable to the terms of this Easement on land in the vicinity of the
Property, of a size, and with conservation values, roughly comparable to those of the size of the
portion of the Property actually damaged by such actions. In no event shall the amount of
damages recoverable exceed the proportionate value that the actually damaged property bears to
the Property and subject to the provisions of Subsection 6.2 above.
(d) Costs and Attorney's Fees. In addition to any other damages to which it
may be entitled, in any action by a third party, Grantee and Grantor shall be entitled to recover
the costs of enforcement of any of the terms of this Easement, including reasonable attorney's
fees, expenses and court costs, provided that Grantee or Grantor is the prevailing party in any
such action. With regard to any action between Grantee and Grantor, the prevailing party in such
action shall be entitled to recover its costs, including, but not limited to reasonable attorneys'
fees, expenses and court costs.
(e) Right to Proceed Against Third Parties. The Grantee has the right to
proceed against any third party or parties whose actions threaten or damage the Conservation
Values or Conservation Purposes, including the right to pursue all remedies and damages
provided in this Subsection 7.6. Grantor shall cooperate with Grantee in such proceeding.
(f) Right to Require Assignment of Trespass Claims. If requested by
Grantee, Grantor shall assign to Grantee any cause of action for trespass resulting in damage to
the Conservation Values that may be available to such Grantor. Grantor may condition such
assignment to provide for the (i) diligent prosecution of any such action by Grantee and (ii)
division according to the proportionate values determined pursuant to Subsection 6.2, between
Grantee and such Grantor of any recovery, over and above Grantee's attorney's fees and
expenses incurred, and costs of restoration of the Property, resulting from such action.
(g) Grantor's Right to Recover Damages. In the event that Grantee is
found by a court having jurisdiction in the case to have willfully or wantonly, and in direct
contravention of this Easement, violated the terms of this Easement, Grantor shall be entitled to
recover such damages as it may have incurred as a result of such violation, together with its
reasonable attorney's fees, expenses and court costs.
(h) No Waiver. Failure by either Party, for any reason, to exercise the rights
granted to it by this Easement, in the event of any violation of its terms, shall not be deemed to
be a waiver of such Party's rights hereunder as to that, or any subsequent, violation. The Parties
hereby expressly waive any defense of laches, estoppel, or prescription.
(i) Right to Cure. Neither party shall proceed against the other pursuant to
the provisions of this Subsection 7.6 until it has provided the other party with written notice of its
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00328
intent to undertake such proceeding and the reasons therefore, and has thereafter given the other
party a reasonable opportunity, at least thirty (30) days from receipt of said written notice, to
cure whatever violation has been described in such notice, taking into account the nature of the
violation. No notice and cure period shall be required in the event that Grantee, in its reasonable
judgment, determines that an immediate threat of significant damage to any of the Conservation
Values exists.
7.7 Payment of Costs, Taxes or Assessments.
(a) Payment of Costs of Operation, etc. Grantor shall bear all costs of
operation, upkeep and maintenance of the Property.
(b) Payment of Taxes. Grantor shall be responsible for the payment of all
real estate taxes or assessments lawfully levied upon the Property and /or upon this Easement
and /or upon Grantee as a result of its holding this Easement, and Grantee shall have no
obligation, or responsibility, for the payment of such taxes or assessments. Grantee shall have
the right to make any payment or to participate in any foreclosure or similar proceeding resulting
from any delinquency, as necessary to protect its interest in the Property.
(c) Indemnification of Grantee. Grantor shall indemnify Grantee and the
Indemnified Parties from any liability or expenses incurred by Grantee in connection with the
payment of the costs and /or taxes that are the subject of this Subsection 7.7.
7.8 Control of Property. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Grantee has neither
possessory rights in the Property, nor any right or responsibility to control the use of the Property
(except to enforce the restrictions on use of the Property provided for in this Easement), nor to
maintain, or keep up the Property, and the Parties agree that Grantor retains all such rights and
control exclusively. Nothing in this Easement shall be construed as giving rise to any right or
ability in Grantee to exercise physical or managerial control over the day -to -day operations of
the Property, or any of Grantor's activities on the Property, or otherwise to "participate in
management" of the Property, within the meaning of CERCLA, or similar federal, state, or local
laws.
7.9 Subordination. Any mortgage or lien arising after the date of this Conservation
Easement shall be subordinated to the terms of this Easement.
7.10 Venue and Jurisdiction. The Parties agree that exclusive venue and jurisdiction
for any dispute between them, or for any dispute with any third party relating in any manner to
the Easement and the interpretation, enforcement or violation of any of the terms of this
Easement, shall be in the State of Wyoming, District Court in Lincoln County, Wyoming.
7.11 Construction. This Easement, in all instances and regardless of the jurisdiction,
forum, court or other tribunal, shall be governed by, enforced, and interpreted in accordance with
the laws of the State of Wyoming. Nevertheless, any general rule of construction
C lark. cl ark. ws ga l t. pur. ce. fi na 1.7.6.12. do c
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notwithstanding, the Parties agree that this Easement shall be liberally construed in favor of the
grant to the Grantee to effect the Conservation Purposes, and the policy and purpose of the Act.
The Parties also intend that the conveyance provided for in this Easement qualify
under Sections 1011(b) and 170 of the Code as a "qualified bargain sale" and under Section
170(h) of the Code as a "qualified conservation contribution" of a "perpetual conservation
restriction," within the meaning accorded those phrases by Section 1.170A -14 of the
Regulations, for federal income and estate and gift tax purposes. The provisions of this
Easement shall be construed accordingly. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantee does not
hereby provide any warranty or other assurance as to the deductibility of the contribution of the
interests hereby conveyed, and the conveyance of this Easement is in no way conditioned upon
such deductibility.
If any provision of this Easement is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation
consistent with advancing the Conservation Purposes and with qualification under Section
170(h) of the Code, as aforesaid, shall be favored over any other interpretation.
Neither of the Parties shall be deemed the draftsman of this Easement or any part
thereof, each having had the benefit of counsel of their own choosing in negotiating its terms.
7.12 Extinguishment of Development Rights. Grantor hereby grants to Grantee all of
the development rights pertaining to the Property, except for those development rights expressly
reserved by Grantor herein. Development rights shall be deemed to include, but not be limited
to, all development rights and development potential that are now or hereafter allocated to,
implied, reserved or inherent in the Property or any portion thereof, including, but not limited to
(i) all subdivision and development density rights and potential and (ii) the right to use any of the
acreage of the Property in any acreage calculation having the effect of creating, or contributing
to, additional development on or off the Property, whether such rights exist now or in the future
under federal, state or local law, or otherwise.
Grantor unconditionally and irrevocably relinquishes the right to transfer such
development rights to of this Property to any other property adjacent or otherwise, or to use them
for the purposes of calculating permissible lot yield, density, and development potential etc., of
the Property or any other property.
The Parties agree that all such development rights are hereby terminated and
extinguished in perpetuity, except as specifically excepted and reserved in this Easement.
As an elaboration, but not a limitation, of the foregoing, for purposes of this
Subsection 7.12 the Property shall be considered to be non existent for purposes of all
development rights and /or development potential, or calculations pertaining thereto, of any and
every nature, except as expressly reserved by the Grantor in this Easement.
7.13 Amendment. This Easement is permanent and may not be amended without the
written consent of Grantee, in its sole and absolute discretion, and any such amendment shall
21
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C la rk.clark. ws galt. pur. ce. fina 1.7.6.12. doc
(a) The right to enforce the terms of this Easement; and
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also require the written consent of Grantor. Nevertheless, and regardless of whether any federal
or state tax benefits were sought in connection with the original grant of this Easement, no
amendment of this Easement shall be valid unless it is pursuant to the order of a court having
jurisdiction in the case, or unless the action of Grantee in consenting to such amendment
complies with (i) the then existing federal tax law governing publicly- supported charitable
organizations (currently Code Section 501(c)(3)(A) and accompanying Regulations); (ii) with the
provisions of the federal tax law governing "qualified" holders of conservation easements
(currently Code Section 170(h)(3) and accompanying Regulations); (iii) Wyoming Statutes 34 -1-
201 et seq. or any regulations promulgated thereunder, and (iv) with the then existing policies of
the Grantee, if any, governing the amendment of conservation easements. Any amendment shall
be consistent with the purpose of this Easement. No amendment may confer prohibited private
benefit on Grantor or other third parties. This Easement may only be amended with the written
consent of the United States and the WWNRT, by an instrument duly executed and recorded in
the real property records of Lincoln County, Wyoming.
7.14 Effective Date. Grantor and Grantee intend that the restrictions arising hereunder
take effect on the day and year this Easement is recorded with the County Clerk of Lincoln
County, Wyoming, after all required signatures have been affixed hereto.
7.15 Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no third party beneficiaries, intended,
implied or unintended, to this Easement, except for (i) the United States pursuant to Sections 6
and Error! Reference source not found. and for (ii) the State of Wyoming which, due to its
payment toward the bargain purchase of this Easement, and pursuant to Wyoming Statutes 9 -15-
401 through 9 -15 -410, is made by the Parties a third party beneficiary of this Easement. In
recognition of said statutory provisions, the Parties grant the following rights to the State of
Wyoming:
(b) If this Easement is transferred (except for transfers in accordance with the
provisions of Section 5 hereof) or extinguished, the right to recover the state's pro rata share of
funds provided for the creation of this Easement up to one hundred percent (100 of the funds
granted by the State of Wyoming through the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust
for the purchase of this Easement, according to the provisions of Section 6 hereof.
7.16 Recognition of Mineral Estate. As required by Wyoming Statutes Section 9 -15-
107 and Section 34 -1 -202, the Parties recognize that this Easement does not affect the rights of
any third parties with an ownership interest in the mineral rights in the Property that pre -exist the
recordation of this Easement, except as specifically set forth in this Easement and as specifically
allowed by law.
7.17 Public Access to Property. Nothing in this Easement shall be construed to create a
right of public access to the Property. Nothing in this Easement shall be construed to preclude
Grantor's right to grant limited access to its invitees to use and enjoy the Property, provided that
such access is allowed in a reasonable manner that does not result in uses that are inconsistent
with the Conservation Values.
7.18 Environmental Attributes. Grantor hereby reserves all Environmental Attributes
associated with the property. "Environmental Attributes" shall mean any and all tax or other
credits, benefits, emissions reductions, offsets, and allowances (including, but not limited to,
water, riparian, wetlands, endangered species, and greenhouse gas) generated from or
attributable to the conservation, preservation and management of the Property in accordance with
this Easement.
SECTION 8. PROVISIONS REQUIRED BY THE UNITED STATES
The following provisions are required as a condition to a grant made for purchase of this
Easement by the United States through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.
0033`'
8.1 United States Contingent Right of Enforcement. Under this Easement, the
United States is granted the right of enforcement in order to protect the public investment. The
Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (the Secretary) or his or her assigns, on
behalf of the United States, may exercise this right of enforcement under any authority available
under Wyoming or federal law if Grantee fails to enforce any of the terms of this Easement, as
determined in the sole discretion of the Secretary. In addition, the United States' right of
enforcement of this Easement cannot be condemned without the consent of the United States.
8.2 General Indemnification. Grantor shall indemnify and hold harmless the United
States, its employees, agents, and assigns, the WWNRT and Grantee and the Indemnified Parties,
for any and all liabilities, claims, demands, losses, expenses, damages, fines, fees, penalties,
suits, proceedings, actions, and costs of actions, sanctions asserted by or on behalf of any person
or governmental authority, and other liabilities (whether legal or equitable in nature and
including, without limitation, court costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees and attorneys' fees on
appeal) to which the United States, the WWNRT, Grantee and /or the Indemnified Parties may be
subject or incur relating to the Property, which may arise from, but are not limited to, Grantor's
negligent acts or omissions or Grantor's breach of any representation, warranty, covenant,
agreements contained in this Easement, or violations of any federal, Wyoming, or Lincoln
County laws, including all environmental laws.
8.3 Environmental Warranty. Grantor, to the best of Grantor's present knowledge,
warrants that it is in compliance with, and shall remain in compliance with, all applicable
Environmental Laws, subject to those matters identified in that certain All Appropriate Inquiry
(AAI) prepared by NRCS. Grantor, to the best of Grantor's present knowledge, warrants that
there are no notices by any governmental authority of any violation or alleged violation of, non-
compliance or alleged non compliance with or any liability under any Environmental Law
relating to the operations or conditions of the Property.
Except for fertilizers, pesticides and similar products used for agricultural
activities, which Grantor submits were applied in conformity with applicable laws and
Clark.clark. wsgalt.pur.ce. final.7.6.12. doc
23
regulations, and except for matters identified in the AAI prepared by NRCS, Grantor, to the best
of Grantor's present knowledge, warrants that it has no actual knowledge of a release or
threatened release of any Hazardous Materials on, at, beneath or from the Property, and Grantor
hereby promises to defend, hold harmless and indemnify Grantee, the United States and the
WWNRT against all litigation, claims, demands, penalties and damages, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, arising from or connected with the release or threatened release of any
Hazardous Materials on, at, beneath or from the Property, or arising from or connected with a
violation of any Environmental Laws by Grantor or any other prior owner of the Property.
Grantor's indemnification obligation shall not be affected by any authorizations provided by
Grantee, the United States or the WWNRT to Grantor with respect to the Property or any
restoration activities carried out by Grantee at the Property; provided, however, that Grantee
shall be responsible for any Hazardous Materials contributed after this date to the Property by
Grantee.
"Environmental Law" or "Environmental Laws" means any and all Federal, state, local or
municipal laws, rules, orders, regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, guidelines, policies
or requirements of any governmental authority regulating or imposing standards of
liability or standards of conduct (including common law) concerning air, water, solid
waste, hazardous materials, worker and community right -to -know, hazard
communication, noise, radioactive material, resource protection, subdivision, inland
wetlands and watercourses, health protection and similar environmental health, safety,
building and land use as may now or at any time hereafter be in effect.
"Hazardous Materials" means any petroleum, petroleum products, fuel oil, waste oils,
explosives, reactive materials, ignitable materials, corrosive materials, hazardous
chemicals, hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, extremely hazardous substances,
toxic substances, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, infectious materials and any
other element, compound, mixture, solution or substance which may pose a present or
potential hazard to human health or the environment, as such substances and wastes are
defined by applicable federal and state law.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, this Conservation Easement, unto Grantee and its
successors and assigns forever. This Easement may be executed in several counterparts and by
each party on a separate counterpart, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor and Grantee have set their hands under seal on the
day and year set forth below.
Clark. c l ark. ws ga l t. pur. ce. fina 1.7.6.12. do c
24
0033,1
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Dyanna Parker Notary Public
County of r X' State of
Lincoln 1. Wyoming
My Commission 6 Ire s June 29, 201
My commission expires: r2 C 7 ,jots
C lark.clark. wsgalt. pur.ce. final. 7.6. 1 2.doc
GRANTOR:
CLARK COUNTRY RANCH, LLC
By
Title: ,4-7-Le -7-fr
Date: rj 3
STATE OF WYOMING
ss.
COUNTY OF
The foregoing do ument was acknowledged befor me this S day of L
2012, by LOUJ.�,�` ,tc-C as(,cA(rV� e� -f. of CLA UNTRY
RANCH, LLC. �I
25
00334
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
Dyanna Parker Notary Public
County of
Lincoln
State of
Wyoming
My Commission Ex Ires June 29, 201
My commission expires:
Clark.clark.ws galt.pur.ce. final.7.6.12.doc
GRANTOR:
CLARK COUNTRY RANCH, LLC
By -21 i
Title: iiik 'LGzpAyice eA1
Date:
STATE OF WYOMING
ss.
COUNTY OF
The foregoing document was acknowledged befo e me this ?j[ day of 1�._,"t
2012, by EUc 13 CAL.( L as ,�L�4 4 .J mkt-4,6-v- of CLARK UNTRY
RANCH, LLC.
25
33
The foregoing Deed of Conservation Easement is hereby duly accepted by the Wyoming
Stock Growers Agricultural Land Trust.
Date
zI 1 fz
Date
STATE OF WYOMING
ss
COUNTY OF 1 --41/4,
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
AMY E.
COUNTY OF
LARAMIE
E IR f
My commission expires: '�-o\ 6
Clark.clark. wsgalt.pur.ce.final.7.6.12.doc
GRANTEE:
WYO STOCK GROWERS
AG' i RAL LAND TRUST
R I
By:
Its:
t
The foregoing document was acknowledged before me this vZ� day of P Cc,*
2012, by VO4,\�t ev-l2QL as Sm$>ve,,kveC.,r and by
\i∎ O∎ v5 kaliv� as eiA t o v\ of the Wyoming Stock Growers
Agricultural Land Trust, a non profit corporation under the laws of the State of Wyoming, on
behalf of the corporation.
Notaryblic
26
0033'
ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY RIGHT BY THE NATURAL RESOURCES
CONSERVATION SERVICE
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency of the United States
Government, hereby accepts and approves its interest in the foregoing conservation easement
deed, and the rights conveyed therein (as that interest is described by that certain Correction to
Interim Final Rule issued by the Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation and
published at 74 Fed. eg. 31578 on July 2, 2009), on behalf of the United States of America.
t iAng Al;111
Authorized Signatory fo
State of V\ yOvvLW
County of klafran6L
On thisday of
2012 before me, the undersigned, a Notary
Public in and for the State, personally appeared i5#rrd twae€ r)ez
known or proved to me to be the pe son whose signature appears above, and who being duly
sworn by me, did say that s /he is the p
gv i st [title] of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, is authorized to sign
on behalf of the agency, and acknowledged and accepted the rights conveyed by the deed to be
her /his voluntary act and deed.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal the day and year first
above written.
,,4-
W''�.4''T• or the State of 11oni. YIA
li
•ingat L'
My Commission expires: .26 Zito
J' -i �C!? Mal
COMMISSOtt i;` t;;. 2098
ivs
NOTARY PUBLIC
J.M. B1NETTE
COUNTY OF
i- NATRONA N2v:
i r! T, 04\\■
Clark.clark.wsgalt.pur.ce. final.7.6.12. doc
27
Clark.clark. wsgalt. pur. ce. final.7.6.12.doc
EXHIBITS
TO
DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT
FROM
CLARK COUNTRY RANCH, LLC
TO
WYOMING STOCK GROWERS AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUST
EXHIBIT A PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
00338
Township 26 North, Range 118 West, 6 P.M.
Section 9: W /2
All located in Lincoln Co., Wyoming and containing 320 acres, more or less.